Olivia Dunne confirmed in an emotional Instagram post on Monday that she will remain at LSU for the fifth consecutive year.
The gymnast and social media star won a national title with the Tigers in April but has remained mum about her collegiate future even as her star status only increased this summer.
But Dunne finally answered fans’ questions when she announced in a social media video that she would be returning for her fifth and final year.
“These last four years have changed my life. There’s something special about wearing a purple and gold leotard,” Dunne said as she read a letter addressed to LSU fans.
‘[…] And no matter how many opportunities come my way, there’s just something about LSU. And that’s why I’m here to say I’m not done yet.
Olivia Dunne confirmed in an Instagram post that she will remain at LSU for a fifth year
“To the fifth grade, honey.”
Dunne, like many other student athletes, received a additional year of eligibility due to the coronavirus pandemic, which has now postponed the end of her time on the balance beam until April 2025.
However, she did not need to return for the extra year, given her already impressive portfolio of brand sponsorship deals.
Dunne has 5.3 million followers on Instagram and 8 million on TikTok, which gives the tour countless possibilities.
Her explosive popularity online has helped her earn an estimated $3.5 million annually through NIL deals and also score covers in Elle and Sports Illustrated.
She recently starred in a commercial with Travis Kelce, in which she taught the NFL star some gymnastic tricks in a funny way.
Still, the NCAA’s new NIL deals provide a safety net of income for Dunne, who can continue to compete at the collegiate level while earning large sums of money instead of venturing out on her own.
The gymnast attended Michael Rubin’s Fourth of July party, along with Odell Beckham Jr., Joe Burrow and Ja’Marr Chase (left to right)
During the off-season, Dunne enjoyed her summer and thought about her future.
The influencer has supported her MLB boyfriend Paul Skenes at many of his games after the pitcher was called up to the majors by the Pittsburgh Pirates.
In May, she appeared in the Sports Illustrated Swimsuit Issue for the second time, and last week she attended Michael Rubin’s infamous Fourth of July White Party, along with Joe Burrow, Odell Beckham Jr. and Tom Brady.
Shortly after LSU won its first national gymnastics title in thrilling fashion in Forth Worth, Texas, Dunne hinted that she might not return to Baton Rouge next season.
“It definitely makes me want to come back, but I haven’t really thought about it yet,” Dunne said TODAY‘I’m just focused on the now and winning the national title, so I’ll definitely think about it.
Dunne was one of four seniors on the Tigers’ 2023-24 roster, but will return for a fifth year
She had remained tight-lipped about her future at university as her star power grew this summer
“You know, it still feels surreal,” Dunne shared. “I’m still trying to get my voice back from all the cheering. It was an unforgettable experience and I’ll probably think about it for the rest of my life.”
Dunne was one of four seniors on the Tigers’ 2023-24 roster, joining Elena Arenas, Haleigh Bryant and Chase
Bryant, the 2024 NCAA All-Around champion, and Brock have both already announced they will return to the Tigers for a final year in 2025.
However, Arenas retired from gymnastics, announcing the news on June 27 on Instagram after being sidelined last season due to a back injury.